Thanksgiving should be reserved for families

Thanksgiving Day is the one national holiday that has been saved from commercialism….or has it really? Why have the Christmas commercials already started and why the controversy and rush for the stores to open earlier on this day. Each year it seems to be earlier and earlier. The excuse this 2013 is that there are fewer shopping days available.

Thanksgiving is the one holiday the basis of which is only about family and friends coming together to share in a meal. It’s universal and has no religious affiliation. No gifts or cards or decorations are required, just good conversation, good food and love. Some families gather around their TVs to watch first the holiday parades and then an afternoon of football. But many will have that privilege (no that RIGHT) infringed upon with the necessity of reporting to work that day.

Still we in this country have so much to be thankful for. How many in this world have the luxury of just going to a faucet for a simple glass of water or to shower. Many in Third World countries walk miles and carry water back to their villages. We can drive to the grocery stores and safely travel great distances in vehicles while many in the world have to hunt and travel over great distances on poor dirt roads. With modern heating and air conditioning, we live more comfortably than sweltering in a mud grass hut.

Be thankful for your family and friends and despite a poll showing most people do not like their current job, take pride in your employment. Many do not have one (a job). Both individually and as a nation, there are problems and challenges to face each day. However, for just one day, forget about them and just enjoy the company of people who love you and are willing to share their bounty. Make it the first day of the rest of your life. Show more respect to family and to the people you will encounter in daily life. Many people around you are doing great things and do not want any recognition. It is the right thing to do. “Keep your family close but keep your enemies even closer.” For one day at least look at no one as an enemy but only someone you haven’t reached out to and tried to help…..an internal glow will reach the heart.